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Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

Tess Thompson

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One of the major problems that people run into while trying to lose weight is that three square meals are not enough to satiate hunger. Reaching out for a doughnut, a sandwich or fried chips in between meals is something that comes naturally.

It is extremely difficult to give up snacking for those who get accustomed to it. The body adapts to receiving food in between meal times, and over time, starts to demand it. The environment that we live in does not make it easier. Vending machines stacked with unhealthy foods can be found at every corner. Fast foods that are extremely unhealthy and fattening are unfortunately extremely delicious, too.

And then there are others who do not have the time to eat three square meals peacefully – the way food should be eaten. Lack of time leads to snacking, and the choices that are made are neither good for health nor for weight.

Giving up snacking in this case implies that one needs to prepare meals at home. The lifestyle that most of us support does not allow for extra time spent in the kitchen. Resorting to weight loss supplements and diets to supplement deficiency in nutrition becomes a way of life.

It can easily be assumed that snacking as a habit is probably one of the main reasons for obesity… and trying to give up snacking because you are trying to lose weight naturally can get extremely unnerving and daunting.

The solution lies in choosing healthy snacks that are healthy and do not add to one’s weight. Once you know how, the choices are not difficult to make at all. The only thing required is to force yourself to choose certain foods as snacks, and before you know it, your food preferences will become healthier. The idea is to choose the healthier alternative.

• Instead of choosing chips and French fries, opt for popcorn without butter. It is a healthy snack, low in calories, and high in fiber content. Air-popped is best, but if you are doing it at home, use healthy fats like canola and olive oil.
• Almonds and other nuts contain healthy fats that do not add to your cholesterol. They are rich in Vitamin E, fiber, and magnesium, and are very satiating. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body.
• Peanut butter on fruit or taken with crackers is a healthy snack, but should be taken sparingly, as peanut butter is high in calories.
• Yogurt promotes weight loss and keeps your digestive system in order. Try low fat yogurt instead of ice cream that contains many more calories.
• Fruits like apples, bananas and grapes are better and healthier choices than fried and fatty snacks like chips.
• Smoothies made from fresh fruit pureed with yogurt or low fat milk is great for satiation when you are really hungry. Fruit and vegetable salads with lime or yogurt is another choice that you may like to consider.

Snacks made at home are the best, but if you are one of those busy people who simply grab a sandwich and rush to work, take some time out and search for vendors where you can get the snacks of your choice.

References:
http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com/healthy-snacks.html
http://www.diet-blog.com/archives/2007/06/04/a_visual_guide_to_15_healthy_snacks.php
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/dieting/lose_weight_safely.html